PIA Press Release2008/02/29

DOST introduces first online nutrition School

Davao City (29 February) -- The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) introduces the Nutrition School.ph to the public.

DOST Office of the Regional Director, OIC Eduardo Tesorero said Nutrition School.ph is an online nutrition school, the first of its kind in the Philippines.

In partnership with Nestle Philippines, Inc., the school is specially designed for nutritionists, nutrition students, health workers, educators, teachers and extension workers. It is also intended for local chief executives, food manufacturers, food industries, policy makers and planners, mothers, homemakers and caregivers.

The school (NutritionSchool.ph) serves as a virtual interactive school for food and nutrition lessons to enhance and facilitate message delivery to all concerned sectors of the society. It maximizes the potential of information and communication technology to promote food and nutrition to various clients.

The school may also help in fulfilling requirements of certification which may be needed by professional or corporate groups. It is online, thus it provides a convenient and effective online place of study for anyone with a personal interest in nutrition and gives opportunity for professionals to brush up on current nutrition information.

Furthermore, it is designed for busy lifestyles, where studying online can be done anytime and at any place where a computer and internet access are available.

The site (http://www.nutritionschool.ph) consists of easy-to-understand modules on basic nutrition, nutrition in the life cycle, nutrition and disease, foods, meal management, and the state of nutrition in the Philippines.

It provides links to sites which will further assist the readers in understanding the course. It offers 24x7 accessibility and contains two (2) versions of the modules for nutritionists and non-nutritionists.

Certificates are downloadable after passing the examination in each module. It also features a wed forum for the e-learners to express their opinions and suggestions.

On the basic nutrition, it introduces you to basic concepts of nutrition. It highlights macronutrients, micronutrients, water and electrolytes, facts and myths. The description, classification, principles of digestion and metabolism, functions and recommended amounts, sources, and health effects of different nutrients are also covered. (PIA) [top]